The AFD Digital Challenge supports the development of innovative solutions that help solve challenges of the digital transition with those of climate protection and biodiversity, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13 (SDG). Solutions should focus on reducing the digital footprint (e.g., reduced energy consumption or eco-construction), building a sustainable economy (e.g., environmental and climate practices or agro-ecology), or preserving natural resources (e.g., preventing natural disasters or preservation of ecosystems). The call is open to startups, associations, and research centers in Africa. The winner will receive €20 thousand. The deadline for application is 26 May 2021. More about the AFD Digital Challenge
Africa
Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association — Marine Research Grants
The Marine Research Grant (MARG I) provides young and upcoming scientists with funding to turn their ideas into research projects. The MARG-I Research Grant of US$10 thousand is awarded for a duration of 1 year. Early-career scientists and resource managers involved in research in the marine sciences in the Western Indian Ocean region are eligible to apply. The deadline for submission of applications is 30 May 2021. MARG I
African ChangeMakers — Initiative Awards for Africa
The African ChangeMakers Initiative Awards (ACiAwards) celebrates entrepreneurial ingenuity of social entrepreneurs, businesses, and social innovators across Africa and the world. African ChangeMakers seeks to identify people or organizations turning problems into solutions on a large scale, defender of humanity, peace & freedom, and planet protection. Awardees will be honored during African ChangeMakers Leadership Summit. Entries for applications close 31 May 2021. African ChangeMakers
U.S. Embassy in Tanzania — Small Grants for Community Development
The U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam provides small grants to registered self-help groups and community-based organizations in Tanzania. Grants are made in support of projects that improve living conditions in local communities, including but not limited to water-related projects or income generating activities such as agriculture and fisheries. Awards range from US$2 thousand to US$10 thousand. Eligibility extends to not-for-profit organizations, including village associations, women’s groups and civil society organizations. The closing date for applications is 01 June 2021. More information
U.S. Embassy in Botswana — Small Grants for Community Development
The U.S. Embassy in Gaborone provides small grants to registered self-help groups and community-based organizations in Botswana. Grants are made in support of projects that improve living conditions in local communities and community-based natural resource management, such as the preservation and/or expansion of wildlife corridors. Awards range from US$1 thousand to US$25 thousand. Eligibility extends to not-for-profit organizations, including village associations, women’s groups and civil society organizations. The closing date for applications is 05 June 2021. Link
WASCAL — Master Research in Informatics for Climate Change
The Master Research Program in Informatics for Climate Change (MRP-INFORMCC) is implemented at the Université Joseph KI-ZERBO (Burkina Faso) and provides training in scientific computation and climate data management in West Africa. The West African Science Service Center on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL) offers full scholarships to students from 11 West African countries. Candidates must have a BSc degree or equivalent in Social, Physical, and Natural Sciences and Engineering. The application deadline is 30 June 2021. Details
European Union — Agri-based Digital Innovation in West Africa
The European Union invites proposals on innovative digital solutions that promote adoption of digital technologies for improved agricultural productivity for farmers and agro processors in West Africa. “Accelerating inclusive green growth through agri-based digital innovation in West Africa” AGriDI will provide competitive grants to enhance the capacities of key stakeholders in diverse areas of digital technologies and agro-ecological systems. Funding ranges from €150 thousand to €300 thousand per project. Eligible countries are Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo. Applications from universities, research institutes, legally registered small and medium enterprises, farmer cooperatives, start-ups, community based organizations, and government ministries are welcome. The application deadline is 30 June 2021. Details here
Global Biodiversity Information Facility — Biodiversity Information for Development: Sub-Saharan Africa
The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) invites proposals for project funding from Sub-Saharan Africa under the “Biodiversity Information for Development” program. GBIF offers support for four types of projects: (1) Regional biodiversity data mobilization to establish or strengthen international collaborations (maximum funding: €120 thousand for projects involving three or more countries); (2) National biodiversity data mobilization to respond to national priorities (maximum funding: €40 thousand); (3) Institution-level biodiversity data mobilization to mobilize biodiversity data relevant for sustainable development (maximum funding: €20 thousand); and (4) Data-use grants that build on existing relationships to provide data solutions that respond to a specific policy need (maximum funding: €60 thousand). Applicants must be legal entities such as government agencies, natural history museums, research institutes, universities, or NGOs located in an eligible African country. The deadline for submission of concept notes is 12 May 2021. BID Africa
African Economic Research Consortium — Research on Climate Change and Economic Development
African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) invites research proposals on Climate Change and Economic Development in Africa to deepen understanding of environmental challenges and climate change mitigation and adaptation measures. The case studies will focus on, but not limited to, the following themes: climate-smart agriculture, impact of climate change on green and blue economies, natural resources, energy options and technologies, etc. Total budget should not exceed US$15 thousand and total duration of the study should not exceed 12 months. Researchers who completed at least one AERC research project or participated in a research project on relevant topics are eligible to apply. Interested researchers should submit proposals before 14 May 2021. Know more
United States Agency for International Development — Biodiversity Conservation in Liberia
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) seeks applications for a cooperative agreement from qualified entities in Liberia to implement the Conservation Works activity. The goal of the activity is to conserve biodiversity and threatened species, especially western chimpanzees, by strengthening Protected Areas (PA) and helping communities be less reliant on protected resources for their livelihoods. USAID intends to provide US$19.5 million in total USAID funding over a five-year period. Eligibility for this call is not restricted. The closing date for applications is 25 May 2021. Click here for details